Factors affecting belongingness of Occupational Therapists in an Interprofessional Clinical Environment

Abstract

Objective: Belongingness ensures psychological safety, tacit knowledge sharing, and interprofessional collaboration. Unfortunately, the role of Occupational Therapists (OTs) is often misunderstood, which affects their professional identity, job satisfaction, and sense of belongingness. This study explores the factors affecting the belongingness of occupational therapists in an interprofessional clinical environment.

Methodology: A qualitative case study was conducted from January 2022 to 2023. A purposive maximum variation sample of 10 OTs across Pakistan was invited to participate. An interview guide was developed using an ‘Integrative Belonging Framework’, and online semi-structured interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis was performed using inductive and deductive coding.

Results: Professional competence, interprofessional collaboration, motivation, professional identity crises, and organizational barriers were identified as factors affecting OTs’ sense of belongingness in an Interprofessional clinical environment.

Conclusion: Occupational Therapists’ professional competence, motivation, and interprofessional collaborations contribute to their belongingness. Professional identity crises and organizational barriers negatively impact their belongingness. A competency-based curriculum, provision of resources, interprofessional learning, and collaborative practices can foster a strong sense of belongingness.